Observatory Park in Montville Township plans astronomical programs in December

Snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling are all popular activities during the cold-weather seasons in Northeast Ohio.

But don’t overlook the opportunity to look up and gaze at the stars and other celestial wonders on a cold late-fall or winter night. If it sounds like a pursuit you’d enjoy, an ideal place to do it would be Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park in Montville Township.

Located at 10610 Clay St., Observatory Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park and provides prime opportunities to get a clear view of stars and planets at night.

Special astronomical programs slated in December at Observatory Park include:

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• Dec. 3: Full Moon: A Cold “Supermoon.” 6 to 7 p.m. at the park’s Robert McCullough Science Center. December’s full moon is the closest of the year, which makes it a “Supermoon.” Learn what makes it special, then watch the full moon rising using park telescopes, weather permitting.

• Dec. 8 and 29: Space Radio. 7 to 8 p.m., Robert McCullough Science Center. Whether it’s studying distant stars or communicating with spaceships, radio has a huge role in space. Program participants will try out some DIY options for radio astronomy, followed by night sky viewing until 11 p.m. using park telescopes, weather permitting.

• Dec. 9 and 30: Nassau Night Sky Viewing. 7 p.m. at the park’s Nassau Astronomical Station. Observe the wonders of the night sky using the huge Nassau Astronomical Station telescope, weather permitting. If conditions aren’t favorable, a planetarium show will take place in the McCullough Science Center instead.

• Dec. 10: The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show. 2 to 3 p.m., Robert McCullough Science Center. Enjoy a planetarium presentation about what to watch for in the night sky each week. A building open house also will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. If weather permits, also get a chance to view the sun using the center’s safe, solar-viewing equipment.

Observatory Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day, and 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park will be closed all day Nov. 27, 28 and Dec. 2 for controlled deer hunting.